From AT1 to RT1

Market Focus
November 8, 2017 by Caroline Weber, CFA

While both Basel III and AT1 bonds have been largely explained in various specialized publications and in
several newspapers, many investors are not yet confident with their comparisons for the (re)insurance sector.
As a result, we explain briefly below the framework and the characteristics of Solvency II and Restrictive
Tier 1 (RT1) bonds.

Unlike the AT1 coco bonds market which is already RT1 – Three key thresholds
largely developed, the RT1 bonds market is still at the ■ The Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) is the
beginning. Currently, there is only one RT1 benchmark capital required to ensure that the (re)insurance
bond which was issued last month: XS1700709683 – company will be able to meet its obligations over the
4.625% ASR Nederland Perpetual. However, we expect next 12 months with a probability of at least 99.5%.
that this will certainly be a growing market in the coming Any less, and regulators will become more closely
years. involved.
Solvency II allowed firms to grandfather Solvency I- ■ The Solvency Ratio is calculated dividing the
compliant debt instruments issued before January 2015, amount of own funds by the SCR. Own funds refers
for a maximum period of ten years but when the to surplus capital that remains when the liabilities are
grandfathering provision will come to an end and as deducted from the total assets. Each insurance
legacy instruments will be called, the issuance of Tier 1 company is required to maintain its Solvency Ratio at
instruments may intensify. This effect may materialise 100% over time. Should the insurance company fall
faster in some jurisdictions as some supervisors have below this level, it needs to inform the regulator and
put pressure on the industry to stop issuing debt present a realistic recovery plan that shows how it
instruments under the old regime well before the cut-off aims to bring its Solvency Ratio to 100% over the
date of January 2015. following six months.

RT1 – Restrictive Tier 1 bonds ■ The Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR)

represents the threshold below which the national
The Solvency II Directive harmonises the EU insurance
regulator would intervene. The MCR should not be
regulation and determines the amount of capital that EU
less than 25% of the SCR. If an insurer gets close to
(re)insurance companies must hold to reduce the risk of
the MCR, it is likely that regulators will step in to run
insolvency. As we are fixed income specialists and not
the business and cancel the coupon. Any less, and
regulators, we will only focus this publication on RT1
the company would be insolvent for regulatory
bonds and there characteristics.
purposes.
Similar to the banking AT1 coco transactions, RT1
bonds are loss absorbing capital instruments. RT1 – Loss absorbing capital instruments
Consequently, they should be perpetual bonds with no While each bond may have specific rules described in its
step-up in coupon and a first call date 10 years after prospectus, according to the Solvency II’s framework,
issuance. Then the key characteristic of these bonds is the typical RT1 will automatically convert into equity or
the mandatory interest cancellation if necessary and/or be written down upon three events:
in some cases the capital write down. To determine if
such a mechanism should be triggered, Solvency II  A breach of the SCR for more than three months
regulation relies on three key thresholds (SCR, MCR  A drop of the solvency ratio below 75% of the SCR
and the solvency ratio) which we briefly explain below.  A breach of the MCR.

The key point to remember is that RT1 bonds carry great

risks for the investor and a high degree of due diligence
is required and selectivity will be essential.

Disclaimer
This document has been prepared by bridport & co.solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any
security or instrument or to participate in any transaction or trading activity. The contents are based on sources believed to be reliable, accurate and complete. No representations or
guarantees are hereby made as regards the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein and such information does not replace the advice or recommendations of a
qualified professional, which prospective investors (whether individual or institutional) are strongly encouraged to seek. No responsibility whatsoever is hereby accepted for any damage
arising out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in this document, whether direct or indirect and whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise. For the avoidance of
doubt, this document is neither an offer, a contractual document or any form of recommendation. Any information (including prices, availability and expressions) in this document is purely
indicative and is subject to change without notice. This document may not be copied, distributed, reproduced or transmitted for any purpose without bridport & co’s prior consent in writing.

1/2
 From AT1 to RT1
Market Focus
November 8, 2017 by Caroline Weber, CFA

Solvency II – Balance Sheet

Assets Liabilities
(available capital)
Free Surplus
Own funds

SCR: Solvency Capital Requirement

MCR*

Risk Margin
Market Value
of
Total Assets
Technical provision

(MVA)

Best Estimate
Liability

Solvency ratio: Own funds / SCR

Own funds need to be sufficient in amount, quality and liquidity to be available when the liabilities they are to cover
arise. Own funds will be constituted by both 'permanence' and 'loss absorbency' instruments.

Items with a fixed duration, or a right to redeem early may not be available when needed. Similarly, obligations to pay
distributions or interest will reduce the amount available to the insurer. The rules on 'tiering' are designed to reflect the
existence of such features and Solvency II impose limits on the amount of each tier (tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3) that can
be held to cover capital requirements.

 Tier 2 can be up to 50% and Tier 3 can be no more than 15% of eligible own funds.
 At least 50% of the SCR should be Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 is divided into 'restricted' and 'unrestricted' tier 1.
Most of this must be equity. It is also expected that at least 80% of Tier 1 items should be unrestricted Tier 1 with
no more than 20% being Restricted Tier 1 (RT1).
 It is expected that 80% of the own funds used to cover the MCR need to be Tier 1.

2/2